surviving munchkin land

Oooops! It's Day 18...

2012-01-26T18:55:00.000-06:00

...somehow I got my numbers all discombobulated and marked down 2 15's...it's all fixed now..I think!

Today's scores were kind of stinky. I've been feeling like I'm going to be getting something..something..the last 2 workouts have been dragging. This evening, I got The Worst stomach ache (praying that's it..Hubby planned himself a big birthday date tomorrow..goodness, he's old!).

Day 18 Stats:

Push Up + Front Raise 7,8
(used my gal water bottle in place of their sandbag)

Bag Drag 10,6

Comando Push Up + Roll + 10x Mountain Climbers 2,3

Shoulder Lift + Squat + Leg Lift 9,9

Round the World Squat 12,14

Squat & Press + Jump 14,19

As always...Workout from Bodyrock.tv.

Today was my last set of injections...what in the world will I do Not driving into the Big City every stinkin week?!? Tomorrow is my rest day---Praying that these shots will keep doing what they're supposed to do!!!!!

Have a great Friday :)

Day 17---Amazing!!!!!

2012-01-25T12:13:00.001-06:00

Day 16!

I feel like I might be getting a cold, but I'm going to keep on pushing through!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I did an extra round of Ab work at the gym after my hour of cardio. Threw in a 10 lb medicine ball just for kicks and I was Feelin' it Today!

This is definitely a banner moment for me---I did 5 Reverse Pull Ups, using a broom and 2 chairs!!! Seriously--5 Reverse Pull Ups!!!!! Took me all 50 seconds to do them (6 actually, with my test run to make sure for real that the chairs wouldn't come crashing down on me, lol)...but I still tried! 2nd and 3rd round I modified to a row using my "water bottle" weight.

Without further adieu.....

Day 16 Stats: 50 seconds, 3 rounds

Push Up + Clean & Press + Squat & Press 4, 5, 5

Plyometric Jump + Press Up 4, 6, 5

Plank- floor & knee touches 5, 6, 7

Reverse Pull Up 5!!!!, 25, 38
(last 2 rounds mod to row)

Doing my little happy dance right now :) shufflin across my living room...feeling a little bit British...getting my "Lisa-Marie" on (not that she'd ever be reading my blog, but AMAZING-- pinch me, because I must be dreamin' results!!!!)

See y'all tomorrow....it's injection day, so I'll be finishing up Sat. and Sun. WhooHoo---3 more days and I'll have finished 30 day Challenge--Unbelievable!!!!

Day 16---It wasn't Pretty...

2012-01-24T10:38:00.001-06:00

I don't know what the deal was today, but I was beat from the very beginning of this workout!!!!

A lot of legs, last set of plank jumps did me in...landed wrong and zingered my knee...grrrrr! (not bad now thank God..hopefully it will stay that way!)

Same old, same old. Bodyrock.tv--30 Day Challenge--Start at week 1 day 1 fit test.

Only 4 more workouts after this :)

Day 15 Stats: 50 second intervals, 3 rounds

1 Leg Push Ups & Jump Over 8, 10, 12
(mod after 1st round to just 1 leg push ups)

Side Straddle Run & Burpee 4.5, 8, 7.5
(mod. to 10 high knees & burpee)

Squats & Woodchop 16, 21, 21

Plank Jumps 15, 18, 13
(mod. to on elbows instead of straight arms)

I have Finally broke through my little stall pattern....it's like I have to convince my body that it doesn't waaaant to be fluffy...really, you'd be happier and healthier...it's good for you..suck it up and let it go already!!!!

I'll do my measurements and weight loss on Day 20---can't wait! Can you? ;)

Day 15--800 Rep Challenge!!!

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-06:00

Day 15...and I thought I was hurting after Day 14!!!!!

Maybe it was because my backside and arms were still feeling yesterday's workout, but whoo..that last round of push ups about did me in!!!! I'm going to have nightmares about High Knees tonight ;)

Bodyrock.tv 30 Day Challenge. There hasn't been a huge difference scale wise, but body-wise oohwhee mama! It's been incredibly hard, I've pushed myself beyond what I ever thought I could do..and it has payed off! I'm not all about kids being on diets...and Jamie isn't following our plan (believe me he gets Plenty of treats!), but he's dropped 10 lbs! It's helped that he hit a growth spurt. He's all buff and muscly now...every almost 12 yr old's dream ;)

Day 15 Stats:

800 Rep Timed Challenge (Repeat 2 times)

25 Push Ups
100 High Knees
25 Ab Knee Tucks
100 High Knees
25 Squats w/ wts
100 High Knees
25 Tricep Dips

My Time: 16:35

This was hard..super hard. My arms were screamin'! The last 2 sets of High Knees felt like my shoes were made out of cement!

There's something about pushing through when your head is telling you to just do 1 round....skip the last tricep dip, no one will know. Well you know what, I'll know...and there's a huge sense of accomplishment from not giving in to what my head wanted and finishing the whole set! (of course, I'm saying that after I was finally able to move hahahaha)

Tomorrow's a "rest" day from the challenge....so I'll see ya on Tuesday!

Day 14..Oh. My. Goodness.....

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-06:00

Just finished Day 14 and I can hardly type....I know that I say this Every time..but..Whoooo!!!

Today was killa arms and legs...K.I.L.L.A!!!

Stats: 3 rounds, 50 second interval

Tuck Jump Up and Over 17, 24, 20
(mod w/o bar..then w/o jump...gotta save the ol' knees)

Elevated Press Up w/ Knee Raises 6, 11, 14
(2nd and 3rd rounds mod w/o Elevation)

Elevated Side Plank w/ Rt. Leg Lift 18, 30, 30
(oh yeah right...funny..tried..not gonna happen..mod w/o elevation)

Elevated Side Plank w/ Lt. Leg Lift 30, 26, 29
(mod w/o elevation)

Things have really been a struggle lately. It feels like one thing after the other just keeps going wrong. I've gone into survival mode...hadn't read my Bible in forever and a day....just couldn't get into it...my heart was hard, but that never helps. Last week, I really made a good effort to spend a lot of time just seeking God. Just trying to find the way out or a purpose for this all. Life can really get frustrating and sometimes it's hard to see through the fog.

Anyway...today I found such relief in Jeremiah 30-31. If you're hurting or struggling, I really hope that you'll look those verses up! God is here and always has been...waiting to show you that there is another side to your journey. The valley is something we go through, not camp out and build a home ;)

Jeremiah 31:2-6 :

The people who survive the sword,
will find favor in the desert.
I will come to give Israel rest.

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:

I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful.
Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim.
'Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.'

I don't know about you, but I sure am ready to find some favor in the desert---and I'm more than ready to grab the ol' tambourine!!!! I'm Ready to Dance with the Joyful!!!

Just like in exercising, the weight of the things that we struggle with only makes us stronger! whoot..beauty in the making :)

Have a great weekend..I'll be posting one more challenge tomorrow and then it's onto the last week! I'm glad, yet will miss this challenge...hope that they will start another again :)

Lucky Day 13

2012-01-19T09:10:00.001-06:00

Day 13! My grandma would've skipped this one...but since their site was down yesterday and they said to repeat Day 8, it should be all good.lol ;)

Surprisingly enough, I blew a couple of last week's #s out of the water! Squat Jumps and my 2 sets of Push Ups were amazing! Everything else was about even...but I concentrate more on my form with the Presses..I don't want to mess up my knees more than they are..or throw out my back..wouldn't That be Lovely?!?

Not much else going on here...it's injection day so I'll have no exercises until Saturday..maybe.

Let's see what else...

Oh big major trauma drama for me on Sunday...my root canal tooth decided to Break!!! I freaked..like almost Pass Out freak! It's all good now. The dentist put some putty stuff in it to fill it up and make it Not sharp...should be fine until my dental insurance Finally accepts their bid for the crown. That's about it for me this week. My eating has been garbage, well not "garbage" or even junk food...but a girl can only live on apple sauce and scrambled eggs for so long before she goes a little nutty!

Alright, enough chit chat...here's the meat and potatoes.....

Day 13 (2 rounds, 50 second interval)

Today's Day 8

Clean and Press 15, 19 25, 17

Squat Jumps 30, 27 25, 24

3 Tier Push Up 18, 16 14, 13

Reverse Pull Up (push up) 17, 13 10, 10

Squat and Press 19, 17 20, 19

Switch Lunges 19, 20 19, 18
Well, I'm off to choke down some scrambled eggs ;) Have a Fantastic Day!!!!! (it's colder here than a penguin's tail feathers, but the sun is out sort of..)

Day 12....Isn't It Swell..

2012-01-18T17:13:00.001-06:00

Day 12.....what a killa!!!!! Seriously, whoo..I can't believe that I finished it!!!

**** Sorry about the formating...too tired to figure it out, it is what it is...now I'm off to go pass out in a puddle ;)

BodyRock.tv you know the drill...go there, check it out..this was Day 2 Week 3...if you're interested, start at Day 1 Week 1..there's also a nutrition section...Good Stuff People!

Today was 21 circuits 30 seconds each, 10 seconds rest (supposed to be 22, but I accidentally missed the last one on the video...). I'm beat, but not enough to skip going to the gym and do 40 min of cardio afterwards ;)

Day 12 Stats

Press Up, 1/2 Burpee, Tuck Jump 5

High Knees 65

Switch Lunges 11

High Knees 66

Spider Knee Push Ups 14

High Knees 62

High Knees x 10, Mt. Climbers x 10 3 rounds

High Knees 56

Side Jump w/ Elbow to Knee, Tuck Jump 3 rounds
(these were like a side burpee/plank w/ elbow to knee..argh!)

High Knees 57

Press Up, Side Dip 6 rounds
(Push Up to a side plank with a hip drop..killa!)

High Knees 56

Star Jump 15

High Knees 52

Toe Touch Abs 20

High Knees 58

Squat Jump 18

High Knees 55

1/2 Burpee, Press Up 9 rounds

High Knees (oops, missed this one because their website was down)

12 down, 8 to go....I can Do This!!! Whoo....today was a complete stretch, but pressed on and pushed through! One more "day" tomorrow then I'll get a rest for Friday after my injections (one more thank God!)

Day 11.....

2012-01-17T19:02:00.000-06:00

Day 11 is fitness test # 2..to check scores with Day 1

Looking back on my scores, not much has really changed. As far as numbers, high knees I almost doubled. But..;the biggest improvement has been time...I'm much closer to the 10 second rest between sets!!! So, that keeps the ol' heart pumping and legs are constant jello.

Whooo, here we go...today's stats.....1 Round, 50 second intervals

Day 1 Day 11

Squat Jumps 2 29

Push Ups 25 22

Burpees 10 12

High Knees 92 160

Switch Lunges (straight) 20 18

Tuck Jumps 3 12

Straight Abs 24 24

There we have it....week 3!!!!!! whoot whoot!

Getting My Behind OFF The Couch.....

2012-01-15T17:02:00.000-06:00

....and onto the mat!!!!

Boy, today was a tough one....not only physically challenging....Oh, the mind games going on inside of my head today!!!! Just watch some football with your man, snuggle in and rest....you worked hard last week...it's just one day....

I am happy to say that my head lost and my bootie won ;)

Day 10!!!!!!

Half way there!!!!

Broken record again....Bodyrock.tv...go..now...check it out!!!! You can do it!!! Don't worry about not starting on the very first day--go to fit test, week 1 day 1---see the transformation!!!

Day 10 (week 2, day 5) Stats---600 rep challenge---no intervals, just go until you're done or dead!

100 high knees (mod w/o jumping rope)

100 lunge kicks (oh yeah baby, 50 on each side!)

100 high knees

100 squats

100 high knees

100 abs (25 straight abs, 25 V abs R & L, 25 bicycle abs)

Time: 22min 30 sec (actually probably less, but I had to run to the kitchen and ask Jim how to work his dumb old stop watch ;))

My abs hurt...my legs are useless shaky jello limbs...but...I Have Made It through 10 of these!!!!

Day 9...Lordy!!!

2012-01-14T11:18:00.000-06:00

Just got done with Day 9 of the 30 day `challenge. whoo...shoot...these are the world's longest "12" minutes ever!!! It took me 15, but I made it and i didn't die!

Bodyrock.tv---Day 4, Week 2

Oh yeah...in the past 2 weeks, I think I have sweat buckets more than I have ever in my entire LIFE!!! It's good. I feel myself getting stronger in these routines...haven't noticed much on the scale and it's a smidge disheartening. (who am I fooling, it sucks!!!!!) I've been eating "primal" all week...no dairy, no grains, no starch, no sugar (except what's in fruit and veggies)....all that and all I am is smack dab right where I was before Christmas. I think that my body Likes this number or something....

I have to admit that last night, I total caved and ate a brownie with the kids. I was hurting (these injections can start working in my knee anytime now..seriously!!!!) and mad about the scale and other things in my life. It seems that I have the hardest time keeping strong when things I have no control of don't go my way. To some extent, I can't control the #'s on the scale....sure, I can control what I eat, how much I exercise...but obviously, that doesn't always show evidence right away. Annoying. That's it, pure and simple...when I'm annoyed with the world, I want comfort. And when I'm not finding that comfort, nothing soothes temporarily like a warm brownie...but then it turns into a chocolaty pit of loathing and dispair.

So there ya go, I'm Not Perfect. I mess up, I beat myself up, and I do unhealthy things even when I know better. Constant battle with the flesh....

Ok, that's about all of that I can take before I go dig brownie crumbs out of the pan ;)

Day 9 Stats:

Push Up + Burpee + Pylometric Jump (mod squat jump) (9, 6, 7)

Star Toe Touch Abs (23, 27, 24)

Sit Squat Jump w/ Wt. (mod to squat jump..then just squats) (26, 24, 24)

Ball Toe Touchx10 + Mountain Climbersx10 (5, 5, 4)

Tomorrow's the 600 rep challenge...looking forward to it, but not. Have a great Saturday!!! I'm off to go grocery shopping...and for sure, you won't find any brownie mix in my cart..no matter how bad I want it!!!!!!

Day 8 At 8a.m....Ain't it Great....

2012-01-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, whooo....gasp....huff....

Day 8 was strength and cardio (seriously....which day isn't?!?)

Clean and Press, Squat and Press...2 rounds of push ups...my arms are screamin'!!!!...don't forget the squat jumps and lunges...wait...my legs are screamin' too!!!

Here we go--same old, same old---BodyRock.tv--it may look hard, but I'm doing it so Anyone can do it. She gives modifications at the end of the day's video--Any Level can do this!!! Even if it's just one push up in 50 seconds--It's more than if you were just sitting there with your feet up watching the telly (ha.see...she wares off on you!) If you go and look for today's video, its week 2 day 3 :)

Day 8 Stats---5o sec intervals, 2 reps through

Clean & Press (20, 17)

Squat leaps (25, 24) * I actually did the jumps today for the first round--felt great..until the 2nd round...then just straight squats

3 Tier Push Up (14, 13) * these were killa...stop for a sec at bottom, middle, & top of push up...ugh!

Reverse Pull Up--modified w/ close push up (10, 10) *ok..forget the last one, These Were Killa! Hands closer together, directly below shoulders---Ahhhhhh!

Squat & Press (20, 19)

Switch Lunges--mod step front lunges (19, 18)

I probably should mention that we don't have a snazzy pink sandbag--used a gallon water bottle for Presses.

Two more days left for this week :) Are you sick of this yet? Sorry..it's going to keep on going, my accountability deal here...and if I want, I can look back and be all laughing over when I could only do 10 push ups ;)

Have a Great Day--it's going to be a tough one here, can't reveal much...just pray please---Thanks So Much! Love You Guys!!!!!!!

Day 7...It Sure Ain't Heaven!!!!

2012-01-11T13:03:00.000-06:00

Day 7 Booya! (sorry, all this working out brings out my inner bad girl I guess ;))

So, I'm totally too lazy to link the video..arms not quite working right yet....whoo..yeah, this one was killa on the old arms, burpees, tricep dips, pike push ups (seriously, who thinks of these?!?) KILLA!

BodyRock.tv...you all know it by now and I sound like a broken record, but when I'm all ripped and everyone wants to know how it happened, ya'll can go there and sweat it up ;)

Day 7, sweating like a maniac right now....for real..I shouldn't even be sitting on this couch...d.r.i.p.p.i.n'!!! My tooth really hurt last night after Day 6, today just a smidge...hopefully it will stay that way because I still have an hour of cardio to get in before the "big snow storm" hits. So funny, we haven't had like more than 2 inches all year and now that they're calling for 4 everyone's all "whooooo, snooow...what are we gonna do?!?" Serious panic going on in facebook land...cracks me up...if it's single digits for accumulation, I'm not going to panic (especially because the closer we get to spring, the stronger the sun will be and the faster it all will melt!) Ok, enough whining..more sweating!

Day 7 Stats (50 second interval, 2 rounds)

Box Jump + 1/2 Burpee (9, 9) *jump in a "square" and at the bottom of each side do a 1/2 burpee

Lunges (22,23)

3 Point Plank Jump + R&L Knee to elbow (7,7)

Side Leap-aka by the boys--Spidermans (40, 48) *now, I didn't get down low like she did because of my knees, but I kept up the pace and was getting air under the ol' feet!)

Tricep Dip + Knee Tuck (9, 12) *mod using the couch

Walking Pike Plank + Push Up (9, 9) *these were awesome and terrible all wrapped up in one, basically it's a push up in downward dog postition....Wowzza!!!! Hello Loverly Shoulders!

Well, it's Wednesday of the second week of this challenge! So far I've kept it clean eating all primal, getting a little tired of scrambled eggs because of my mouth hurting-----But, when I'm weak He is Strong! I can do all things in Christ Jesus!!! We are Victorious---Nothing in this world has a hold on me, especially not my own flesh and bones!!!!!

I didn't snap a real pic in December..so, here's a pre-workout shot...yep, I'm rocking my hub's fire shirt! This may not sound too exciting, but I haven't been able to do that in Years! In fact, in all of our years of dating, I have Never been smaller than him (he was a one of those crazy muscly, athletic kids that weighed 137 the day we got married ;)).....Oh yeah, Mr. better watch out cause I'm running full steam ahead, lol!

Pushing Forward

2012-01-10T19:26:00.000-06:00

Today was the big day---root canal Day!!!! (I sound enthused, right?!?)

So, even though my face is kind of throbbing tonight, I still managed to get in Day 6 of the challenge.

(by the way, the procedure was a piece of cake...I still feel soooo much better than when my tooth was at it's worst a few weeks ago)

I'm not posting the video here..even I have my limits of bootie-ness ;) Regardless of all the skin, these are great workouts, so head to BodyRock.tv and get your challenge on!!!!

Today's Stats were ehhh, pain kind of slowed me down....If I can do it in my physical state and just after a root canal, there are No Excuses!!!!!

Drummmmmm Rollllllll

Stats for Day 6 (3 rounds, 50 second interval)

Press up+Burpee+Tuck Jump (no jump)x2, 10 straight punches (2.5, 3, 2.5)

Press up+Burpee+Tuck Jump (no jump)x2, 10 hook punches (2.5, 3, 2)

Press up+Burpee+TuckJump (no jump)x2, 10 straight &hook punches (2.5, 3, 2)

Mid Ab/High Ab Sit Ups (20, 19, 23)

So, there it is...stayed strong, pushed through...another day down :)

Day 5 and I'm Alive :)

2012-01-08T13:19:00.000-06:00

Good golly, nice shot to start on right (I seriously wish there was an eye roll smiley!!!!!!)

Today's challenge, the 400 rep challenge...dreaded it...but survived..thrived.....Oh Yeah Baby!

4 rounds, 75 high knees + 25 knee raises (no dip station so I did the sit up version)

no 50 second interval today, just straight out hall butt!

Time: 5:28 (probably not the best, but man I was D.O.N.E by the last 20 leg raises!)

Jamie got 5:11 he's a Rockstar for keeping up with this!!!

Day 4..and I'm About To Hit The Floor!!!

2012-01-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

Rested yesterday, today my knees feel SO stiff!!!

Oh well, Day 4...man, was it hard to actually start this one...watched the kiddos do it yesterday and it was Beast!

Thankfully, Jamie was an amazing time keeper today :) So encouraging...especially when I thought I couldn't do one more push up, or plank jump---Come on Mom, just Believe that You can and you will! (where does he get that stuff! Such a good kid!)

Day 4 was 4 exercises with 3 Reps...50 second intervals (and a wheeee bit longer than 10 sec break in between)

Today's Stats:

Rnd 1 Rnd 2 Rnd 3

Burpee + Push up 8 7 6

Push Ups 20 20 20

Triple Plank Jumps 15 15 13

High Knee Dips 18 20 18
(mod to high boat/low boat sit ups)

Almost done with week 1! Tomorrow we hit Day 5 (400 rep challenge....ugh)

But, we can do it...and so can you---if you try this, let me know!!!!!

Hitting the Pause Button Today

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday's doc appt. has left me feeling pretty sore today (had nothing to do with day 3's challenge right?!?) They had a bit of a struggle drawing off some fluid and today I feel like someone hit the side of my leg with a sledge hammer!!!!!

I am having such a battle--do I power through or take it easy---

On one hand, I have this great momentum going and I really don't want to stop it.

On the other, I am spending $250 for these shots that in 5 weeks will hopefully make me feel good as new...so stop being so stubborn Shelly and listen to what your body is saying!

Ugh! Yes, I am officially admitting that I am stubborn, pig headed, don't tell me what I can't do, no one got anywhere without pushing themselves......but I also admit that this attitude, although good, can land me straight back at square one!

Diet is 80% of your success.

So, I'm keeping my eating tight today...like I have all week...and maybe, just maybe, I'll go take an easy elliptical stroll later...and maybe add in some abs with the medicine ball...

I think that I've mentioned that Jim and Jamie are doing this challenge with me. I'm not sure, but I think we've lost daddy...Jamie though, is going strong!

On an interesting note, I've seen a change in Jamie's attitude since starting this...even when he had a total breakdown yesterday (amazing how when I was struggling with the same routine, he started cracking up...oh yeah, super funny son!). I think it's because it's something we alone are sharing..maybe it makes him feel grown up, or special, or whatever he needed. He's really getting into this and I can see connections being built through this bonding while completely killin' it on the mat :) As we tromp closer to the dreaded teen years, I'm thinking that we'll have to keep up these challenges as a family.

Jamie and Riley competed with the Day 4 challenge today...boy, I'm going to have some stiff competition tomorrow when I hit it....ugh, they're not going to let me hear the end of it if I don't keep up with their pace!

Well, it's Friday---Have a great weekend, be good to yourself, and remember that sometimes it's ok to need to pause for a moment...just don't hit the stop button! You Can Do It!!!

Day 3...Oh MY LORD!!!!!

2012-01-05T12:10:00.000-06:00

Whoo...Gasp....holy smokes!!!!!!!!!

.....sorry, too weak to type!!!

Just got done with day 3...and as Ms. Lisa-Marie says--It was Killaaaaa!

Today's Stats:

(sorry that #'s are all wavy...I swear, they're not in the publisher and I'm just too dang tired to try and fix it!!!!)

Superman Push ups 11

Push up with Bilat. knees to elbows 11

Squat & Press (w/ gallon water bottle) 23

Squat, jump forward, 3x squat (mod most of the jumping) 6

Dip Station--mod w/ push ups 23

Side jump, oblique knee raise, jump, switch sides 7

Close press up, jump, sumo knee raises 5

Dip on couch w/ leg lifts 12

Overhead Abs w/ press (gal water bottle) 13

Shoulder wt, squat, switch shoulders, squat wt to floor 11

Speed Run 135 steps

whew...yeah...I'm hitting the shower....see ya tomorrow!!!!!!

Day 2...

2012-01-04T14:32:00.000-06:00

Kicked MY Butt!!!! seriously, mainly lunges, squats, jumps, crazy push up/plank moves!

But, I made it..even after my little stinker time keeper let me go for longer than the 50 sec intervals a couple of times (heeeheehee..snicker snicker snicker...mom's knees sound like legos in lego starwars..bwahahahaha...as I'm dying and sweating my butt off ;))

Again, if you can get past the girl in pretty much underware, these are really good workouts.

(I wonder if I tried it in my skivies if I would get better times..lol...just kidding..hahaha..that would be SO Scary!)

Here's my stats for today:

10xhigh knees & 10x mt. climbers 3 reps

2xsquat jumps, 2 push ups, 1 tuck jump
(I modified it and just did squats for the jumps) 5 reps

Center to Elbow (L & R), 2 legs jumps 12 reps

Push up, jump squat, jump (mod with plain squats) 5 reps

5xtuck jump (mod high knees), 1/2 burpee w/ 5 sec hold 4 reps

spider push up & straight leg push up (L & R) 5 reps both sides

10xsquats, 10x squat jumps (mod all squats) 50 squats

Elbow to knee jumps, 10 each side 3 reps

wide leg jumps with a push up 6

speed run in place 50 seconds made it and DIED!

All that in 50 second intervals..supposed to take 12 min (use a 10 sec rest in between sets)..but ended up taking about 20..needed a smidge more than 10 sec to be able to move..regardless, my legs felt like cement for that last 50!!!!!

But, Day 2 is finished!!!!!

Have a super fantastic Wednesday :) I'm off to the gym for another round of cardio before I have to take it easy tomorrow after my injection.

Testing...1..2..3...

2012-01-03T21:26:00.000-06:00

January is going to be a killer month here...KILLER!!!!!

First up (please ignore the bootie shot, why oh why does there always have to be a bootie shot?!?..but if mine looked like that, I'd probably be flinging it everywhere ;))

BodyRock has some great workouts...quick...not much equipment (and usually has a version to do without whatever)

So, they're starting a 30 day challenge...30 days, kick your behind workouts...muscles here I come ;)

I'm going to post my progress here, so either ignore it....or.....get inspired! There's a quote that's floating around pinterest that says even a 14 min mile laps those still on the couch!! I promise that you'll Never regret doing something to improve your health---baby steps or hard core--your body will thank you, your mood will improve (and goodness as we enter the January blahs, we all need that) and you will just transform!!!

So..here's my stats from today's fitness test (pre-ish challenge to see where your baseline is)

*also, some of these I am going to have to modify to Not shoot me knees all to heck...really...anybody can do this (yes, there's heavy breathing involved and copious amounts of sweat..but it's a good thing!!!!)

50 sec intervals, doing as many as possible, with a 10 sec rest in between

Squat Jumps 2
Push Ups 25
Burpees 10
High Knees 92
Switch Lunges 20
Tuck Jumps 3
Straight Abs 24

Some are better than I thought, but most were pretty much exactly where I thought I'd land...funny thing is that both Jamie and Jim are doing this with me...and my numbers weren't that far off from theirs!!!!! (go mama go!)

I'm also doing 30 days of primal blueprint with my friends Krystal and Cory (Jim is joining us, but he doesn't know it just yet heeheehee!)

Another challenging thing this month is my very first root canal...yep, super excited...gah! I have only had 1 cavity...not looking forward to this one. Any suggestions or words of encouragement...I will survive right?!?

And, I am also going for a series of 5 shots in my knees to help me push through all of this weight loss stuff. Pretty ironic that the things that help to loose weight, makes your knees hurt, but loosing weight will eventually help your knees! These shots are not my favorite. My specialist is nice and his nurse is very friendly, so that's a bonus, but I could seriously do without the 3 inch needles ;)

Alright, there's my challenge put out for all the world to see.

I hope that this inspires someone...there's no excuses....if I can do it, anyone can!

Stop settling for just ok! Go for Exceptional!!!!

10 and 1

2012-01-01T18:38:00.000-06:00

Someone had a birthday yesterday and me being the slacker mom that I am...didn't have time to post a little birthday post ;)

soooo...today is a 10 and 1 day post

Let's see...10...

Corey, you love all things video games, super heroes, drawing...and most of the time you're creating all three together! I love your heart, your stubborn side, your silly side! At 10, you have amazing penmanship (so much better than your mom's), read like a maniac, and you amaze me with your drawing (so crazy watching you, nothing makes sense until suddenly..total awesomeness!). Someday, I see you designing video games or cartoons..or maybe a weather man or storm chaser (tormadoes are a favorite subject...and earthquakes...and volcanoes...)....or maybe you'll do sound effects for movies..who knows!!!! The world is bright and shining and it's yours for the taking!!!!!

I am so proud of you! You have beat the odds and ran circles around what the "professionals" said you would accomplish! Keep it up--make a difference! You can do anything and everything you can dream up! Don't let anyone tell you different :)

Love You Big Guy!!!

Happy Birthday Corey!

Your big day was filled with all things Mario...just like every other day!

Part of the reason why I was unable to type a post....finishing up these little plush crochet toys...been up until 2 am pretty much every night this week trying to finish them on the sly!

I caught this little moment during all the festivities.....love love love it!!!!!

....and then they realized that they'd been caught...oh the silliness with those two!!!

No my kids haven't joined some weird order...it's mario, followed by a couple of boings.

The rest of the day was a nonstop wii showdown..yes, Jamie was there..not sure how he managed to not get into a single birthday picture (dang 11...I guess the elusive teenager stuff starts already ;))

Wii Wipeout is now my new favorite game...we laughed and laughed...too funny.

Of course, after church we had a little New Years Eve celebration...including more Super Mario Bros and Wipeout...plenty of wings and poppers...and....rootbeer in glass bottles (wow, the things that make little boys' nights)

Here he is!!! 20....

.....12

Oh Yeah Baby!

Bring it! We're ready!!! (poor Jim...his allergies were CrAzY last night...nothing helped..man, we need to move pronto to a state where he actually feels good!!!!)

I'll post more later on some of what we've been up to and that super awesome really not Thaaat hard bday cake, and whatever else comes to mind now that the Christmas/Birthday rush is over!

Hope that you all had a fantastic first day of the new year--such hope and excitement, right?!? (yeah, well..I tried to make it sound exciting in my head...but all that I really want is a nap ;))

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T09:52:00.000-06:00

Just stopping in for a quick second to wish all my friends a Merry Christmas!

Where has this month gone? I feel like I've gotten nothing done, but haven't stopped running and have nothing to show for it!!!!!

Today is a mad baking day/finish crafting/rethinking up a new kid craft for fam because my crazy brain bought the wrong size dealio!!!! Ahhhhhh..Christmas Cheer...think happy thoughts...what gets done, gets done....

So far this week:

we were able to watch friends' kids for a few days so that they could get away (I seriously appreciate our fam being around to help us!)

my mom had ankle surgery on Wednesday (she's doing fine, just going to be a long recovery)

baking, baking, baking!!!! I can't remember how many times I've washed my mixer bowl, but I might wear clear through the metal ;)

today is everything that I dread each year...stuff that involves boiling sugar...my fingers hurt just typing that out...every year, every YEAR I burn my fingers or my arm or something!!!

On a happy note, we were able to sit down and get our first family pictures in 8 years!!! got some great shots that are involved in gifting so kind of top secret until the 26th ;)

Here's our one cheese shot...pinterest, what have you done to me?!?

Seriously, the last few years have been pretty taxing on spirits...so much so, that I just realized one day that we lost our happy. Sure, we laugh and smile...but that bubbley from the pit of your being joy, nope..not happenin'. So we're making a conscious effort and I'll have to post more on this later because my quick recap has turned into a book!!!!

Have a Merry Christmas!!! And remember that whatever you go through, there is joy in the journey...might not feel the greatest, but we have a gift, a hope, that was given to us on Christmas morning!!!

I don't know what it is about Christmas time, the bleak winter, the money, the family..but it always seems to bring out the dark in our souls. Well, I'm here to shout it out that we are Free--Jesus, come and bring your unspeakable joy to all that read these words!!!

My favorite all time hymn is O Come, O Come, Emannuel. I know that I shared it last year, but this verse just reverberates all of that blah holiday whatever out of my heart! Come thou Day Spring!!!!!

O Come Thou Day Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Picture Time Is Here...

2011-12-06T10:07:00.000-06:00

....and mommy needs a beer....

When do family pictures get easier?!? Seriously, they're old enough..but I always end up with 60 pictures of this :

and this:

I'm loving Riley's "whach you talkin bout Willis" look...

Riley! I felt like Dave from Alvin and the Chipmunks---ALVIN!!!

Naughty or Nice? Obviously he's diggin the pictures as much as I was...

Then all heck broke loose...why...why?!?

Brothers that wont smile...

Throw in an old dog who only wants to lay down....

Or a little brother who yelled "Hey J, shake your boobie"...uh, Riley...it's BooTie...

This one pretty much sums up the boys...it's just them...

Bokeh...why, can you effortlessly happen when I least expect it...but when I'm actually trying to blur out the lights and cords, you're no where to be found?!?

And for crying out loud...Corey..hello...the camera is over Here!!!

Thankfully, a friend saw my plight on facebook and offered to shoot a few pics on Wednesday...pray...please pray!!!!

60..well close enough...

2011-11-30T14:22:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow will be another ginormous mile stone...60 lbs! (today I'm just shy of it, but I know it'll be there..tomorrow, tomorrow, the sun will come out tomorrow....)

November totals:

12 lbs lost

since September, I've lost 3" from my chest, 4" from my waist, 6" from my hips (yes, 6..not a typo!), 3" off each thigh, 2" from each arm, and 1" from my neck....that's a lot of Inches!

November (took it on Sunday because I actually flung on some makeup ;))

Compared to September...

And this picture brings tears to my eyes...2 years ago February...

I still have a long road ahead. But can I give you some encouragement? It's just one step at a time, one good choice leads to another good choice...knocking down brick after brick that I had built up.

I'm loving the gym..who knew?!? I'm not the prettiest workerouter, but I get it done! In August when I hurt my knee I barely was able to walk a 45 min mile. I'm proud to say that yesterday I killed it on the elliptical and did it in 12 min! Jim said that he'd start thinking about working out after I was able to run faster than him...well, bud...you better start thinking because I'm closing in on ya!

I haven't been this size in like 10 yrs!

Looking back, I wonder what in the heck took me so long?!?

Food was my hideout, my comfort, my reward...guess what...no amount of cupcakes or brownies or whatever made any difference in our circumstances...not once, did scarfing down a sweet in a moment of frustration ever make what was so annoying disappear!

I've stopped hiding. I've picked myself up, brushed myself off, and started living the life that I was made to live!

There is no way that I ever would have the strength to do this on my own...crazy hour long workouts..never...eating clean and portioned..nope....facing life full on...nada..definitely not this girl!

I am constantly calling on God--Lord help me--I'm giving it all to you---Jesus please give me the strength for just 5 more pushups. sounds silly, but you know what.....it works...Every Time!

Also, support is crucial. This journey is so much more than just food....it's about becoming whole, inside and out. Life will not magically change when that golden scale moment comes...and if you haven't grown on the inside while shrinking on the outside, you're setting yourself up to fail.

My dear friend Krystal...oh what a blessing she is in my life! God sent her here /kept us here a little longer for a reason. She's been there and overcame! Her blog is so full of knowledge. And, if you're at a point where you just don't know what to do next...seriously, she is the Best Coach!!! Jillian Shmillian! This girl knows how to get it done! (Last week, she stood beside my elliptical and kept cheering me on--Go Baby! Go Baby!) Without her pushing, I never would have branched off the treadmill---crossfit workouts--sweating, and more sweating--I actually did 15 pullups last week (assisted but still)--Yeah Baby!

so, do me a favor..she has a new blog....go show her some love :)

Grow or Die

and...if you need help getting started, or have hit a wall and just don't know what else to do...contact her!!!!!

So Much To Be Thankful For...

2011-11-23T10:40:00.000-06:00

Seriously, where does the time go?

I feel like I'm not accomplishing Anything, yet every day seems to FLY by!!!

Because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I'll let you in on a few of my thanks---

* Knocking on the door of 60lbs lost...for real...that's more than my 10 year old!

* Friends and Family who are so supportive...and not just in the shallow cheerleader way...pushing us to grow, keep moving, don't get discouraged!

* Bloggy Friends who, even though they have never me, are just as amazing as my real everyday life friends!!! (Thank YOU!)

* My kiddos--3 boys can make me feel frazzled, but as I look at them...I can't help but be completely amazed that WE are raising such awesome kids!!!

* Jim...what is there to say....he is the poster child for Loyal, Hard Working, and Everything a Great Husband Should Be! He's been working crazy long hours for the last month..practically everyday...Friday marks the end of his project...Can't Wait to have him back home!!! (it's just not the same without him here!)

* Unexplainable..Miraculous...Provisions...God is always Faithful...always Trustworthy...always Dependable. When the world seems to be shattering, He is there..my Rock, my Salvation, my Everything!

*Health...we are so blessed. I am thankful for the people that God has placed in our lives that have shown us this path of whole health! It can be a lonely place and it's nice to have friends on the fringe ;)

* Healing...Riley got a cold yesterday...in a matter of hours from the first cough, the doc told us it was pneumonia! I have never heard of someone playing and running around one day and struggling to breath the next....scared me big time!!!! Now today, he is coughing up junk, eating, and wants to go to Grandma's! I tell you what, the way we eat makes a huge difference---yes, today I'm making him stay low key, but who recovers from no air flow on the rt lung and barely any on the lt lung in a day?!? A Strong kid that's for sure!!!

* Holiday meals--I've had mixed emotions about all of the celebrations this time of year brings---oh how I love Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!!! But, I am so very thankful for family who take an interest and concern in what I "can" eat....so no, I won't be partaking in loads of stuffing and mashed potatoes and slabs of pumpkin pie with perfect homemade crusts. I will be enjoying my alternative dishes and a small slice of my healthy version pumpkin pie (recipe coming soon!).

We really are so very truly blessed!!! Every perfect gift comes from God....even those that we don't see as a gift....most of the time the most life changing presents come in less than stellar packages!

May your Thanksgiving festivities be filled with family and friends, and only lots of good things...lots of gratitude and love beyond measure!!!!!

Random Thursday

2011-11-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

Not much going on here lately---food, working out, prepping more food...schooling of course....blah, blah, blah!

Last weekend my cousin had a baby shower. Her little peanut was born a couple of weeks ago and he's adorable!!! Made my womb hurt...put that in there just for you Amy!!! The cheeks on that little guy were amazing :) I'd be doing nothing but kiss on him all day long.....

I found this pattern on pinterest a couple days before the shower....hadn't picked up yarn in ages and ended up having to get up at 5 am to finish this guy in time for the party....but I think he was a success! The pattern was easy to understand and googling "magic loop" for crochet in the round was life changing...

Lets see, other than that and a crazy fun week night trip to Madison to hit up Trader Joe's and Whole Foods...not much else going on....

Oh, we got mail today!!!!! Jamie was So excited bringing in this box marked Hawaii (thank you Miss Laura!)

What a treat on this dreary pre-winter day! This coloring book about kills me with cuteness....I almost wanted to save it for later for Me to color!!!!! I mean seriously---it's just adorable, retro-y goodness!!!!!

I'll keep talking while you oogle some of the cutest pages!

I've almost been at the gym for a month now.....4 days a week....sweating like a mad woman....believe me, there's nothing pretty about working out! (well, unless you're a cardio queen who runs her mile in a perfect outfit without sweating a drop)

So far, results have been ehhhh....not much progress scale-wise, but I have lost 6 inches here and there. I know that is good, but grrr....a little drop in the numbers would sure be a nice confidence booster!

I have been driving Jim crazy (as usual!)....every time I find a new muscle "line" I have to show him...don't worry...it's all been arms and clavicles so far ;) Seriously though, once I get rid of this fluffy layer I might be pretty ripped!

And on that note....hula girls ;) I'm thinking I might have to start saving up and give myself a trip to the islands as a goal.....

I mean, how awesome would it be to swim with a friendly lei clad dolphin?

Have a great Thursday...almost there to the weekend! Stay warm if your one of the lucky ones in the frozen tundra here where the flakes are flying, but thankfully nothing's sticking! (and if you're warm and sunny where ever you are...I don't want to hear it...just kidding...I'll wait to be snarky until January!)

Monday Rant

2011-10-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

Can I just say something real quick...I know some of you will probably gasp and maybe some of you will never return again...but I've had enough!

All I've seen today on facebook and bloggy land is talk about halloween and fall festival..or trunk or treat (good golly, if only you could have seen my eyes roll with that last one!)

So, here's my deal...

If you choose to let your kids participate in halloween or not, it's no skin off my nose.

But, it's all these silly festivals that drive me UP the WALL!!!!!

Seriously, why is it any different to let your kid dress up as a princess, pirate, or cat and parade around the church parking lot playing games and collecting candy?

Is it somehow ok if it's done on church property? I don't know....and I'm trying really hard Not to judge it...something just doesn't sit right with me about the whole deal.

Either do it or not, but what a confusing message if you finagle it justified by throwing in some Christian-ease.

I know that we are called not to be of this world, but where does the hiding our light under a bushel come in?

Why not instead, be the coolest house on the block? Pass out Big Candy Bars...or glow sticks...be the Light that the neighborhood kids LOVE every day of the year, not just on Oct. 31.

Like I said, I don't know. We have never participated in trunk or treat...and maybe some are great outreach opportunities. Jim grew up without trick or treating and I grew up with it...so we do a mix....hit a few family/friends' houses and then grab pizza. It really isn't a huge deal in our house. We have boundaries, no dark costumes, no blood or guts or zombies here....but they can have fun and be imaginative (they're on a regular basis wearing costumes from years ago in their everyday play).

Whatever you do, stick to your convictions...don't wishwash it into acceptance.

whew....sigh....big breath in...and now I feel better ;)

Core--azy

2011-10-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

I couldn't decide between the above title or Cardi-owwww....both are pretty fitting today!!!

No pics...I'll spare you the sweat drenched shirt routine or the running shoes...just imagine...no don't, just trust me ;)

Two weeks ago, I joined the local fitness center....and have lost my mind!!!

2.5 weeks, 4-5 days a week, 60-90 min of kick your behind cardio and strength training = over 6,000 calories burned!

Can you believe that?!?

I have earned Every Single one!

Elliptical, rowing machine, weights, core circuits......sore muscles is an understatement!!!

I've graduated from walking 2 miles on the treadmill (which is a total waste of time...only burns like 300 cal) to jogging 3 miles on an elliptical (which burns closer to 800 cal!!!!). 2 months ago, I had just hurt my knee and I could barely walk a 45 min mile...now I'm doing 3 in that time (yeah, not fast..but I'll take it!!!)

Funny how now I'm a total calorie snob...not wasting my time sweating on a machine that's not going to pack a punch!!!!

Speaking of punches....ugh, I feel like I've been punched! Yesterday I warmed up on the rowing machine...headed over to worked abs and then did a core circuit (25 sit ups, 25 squats, 25 push ups x 3)...by the time I got to that last set of push ups, I thought that I was going to die!!!! Those last 15 push ups were killer..jello arms, whole body shaking...I am Going To DO it!...muttering "come on, come ON" under my breath...collapsing on the mat..only to look up and see a 20 yr old guy starring! LOL!!! Yeah buddy..that was 75..keep on walking mister ;)

Getting stronger, faster, and just plain liking working out has given me a little head trip...first time that I did 3 miles on the ellip, I wanted to hop off the machine and go straight into Mary Katherine Galleger.....

SUPER STAR!

For those of you that know me...go ahead, chuckle...oh yes I did do it! It's my new mantra, no star stickers on charts...nope...Super Star! Whatever it takes baby, whatever it takes!!!!

Grainy

2011-10-26T10:29:00.000-05:00

It's harvest time....the shearing of the land.

Never expect to get anywhere fast.....there's always a tractor and trailer, a semi with a full load, or my favorite...a huge combine with no where to escape.

As I was driving to the gym (yes, I said GYM! but that will have to wait for another post), I was thinking about harvesting and what all it means.

Sure, food...

But God tells us that the harvest is plenty, yet the workers are few....a pretty accurate statement even just considering the percentage of farmers.

Working the land is a hard life...a life of faith....pushing a dead seed into dirt....praying for rain, but not too much.....praying for sun, but not too hot....that little seed is planted with nothing but faith.

How amazing that our own life mirrors these seeds! We put our hopes and our dreams in the fertile soil of our hearts....and eventually they grow and grow....sometimes it's not exactly the crop that we thought we planted, but usually more sweet than imaginable. We plant seeds in others, seeds of hope, peace, healing, faith....like the farmer, we have No control over how these seeds are cared for...if they're watered or weeded....we just sprinkle the seeds with love and then God works his creation into being.

All summer long, we watch our fields grow.....perfect weather for a bountiful harvest....

Some view fall as a sad time, the advancing cold of winner...snow...ice...harsh conditions, yet even then God has a plan.....he created these seasons for a reason...both spiritual and physical.

Embrace the harvest and the impending winter. Rely on God and His purpose for your life in every stage.

Lucky 13

2011-10-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

Today is our 13th Anniversary :)

Gosh, I Love this Man!

We obviously were babies when we tied the knot.....doesn't seem real....surely doesn't feel like 13 yrs have passed!

We have grown from two crazy kids into crazy parents and finally into a fairly sane married couple!

It feels good, comfortable...but not. We know when the other isn't really "fine"...we know what those "looks" mean....which is extremely important for this girl who can mask over everything with a shallow smile.

He still surprises me.

He still makes me laugh until I cry.

He still loves me like crazy....and that says a lot, because I'm all types of neurotic!

Happy Anniversary Babe....may these first 13 pale in comparison to the awesomeness we will become in the next 13!

Reflections

2011-10-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

A bit of forewarning here...today's post is going to be about a 110 on the sap scale....proceed at your own risk ;)

A year ago today, in fact probably to the minute, my heart was forever changed. A dream, a love for a an area and its people, was planted in my heart....of course, the dream had already taken hold of Jim. Now that it was in me too, we thought for certain..no we Knew..this was where we would end up....soon! (oh, how these pictures make my heart ache!...I love these mountains!!!)

So, here I sit...having not been moved, but still dreaming, praying, growing so that in His timing we will see the fruition of things that are so great it's unimaginable!!!

Of course, today's sermon at church hit my feelings on the head....maybe even opened the wound a little....but God cannot heal what we don't surrender....so, I surrender these feelings of hurt and doubt...the pain of dreams not yet fulfilled. I see the purpose in us being here for the moment...there is work to be done in us so that we will be whole and strong for His purpose. AND I believe to the core of my being that in order to truly appreciate something, there has to be some sweat and tears put into it!!!

We know that in this world, the good guy doesn't always win. This life is filled with heartache and pain, but we are not made to sit in the muck and never feel the Victory. Keith gave this idea that once we are in Christ, we are hidden in Him---Like the picture below, we are surrounded by God's grace and sovereignty. Yes, bad stuff (the red arrow) comes into our lives, but nothing that hasn't been filtered through God's covering.

There were SO many great verses today, my bulletin is covered in my chicken scratch notes...every blank space filled with nuggets of wisdom.

Romans 8:28 And we know, all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. (this means, that yes we will have bad, but God can mix all the bad and blah into the most precious picture)

We also go through junk so that we can be comforted...and then be able to comfort others. (2 Cor 1:3-4) You know that when you're going through a hard patch, it's amazing to feel the comfort of someone who has walked that road before...and made it to the other side!

With my whole heart I believe that there is a greater purpose to these light and momentary struggles. This dream is not one that we sought out, but was placed in us by our loving Father who knows all things....He has the answers, the dates, and the time.

So, I'm resting in that right now. Relying, even when my heart is hurting, He has it all under control. For such a time as this....I will be prepared even in the everyday!

God is good....all the time....God is good!

Cake Anatomy

2011-10-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

I scoured the internet for a good scratch yellow cake recipe....lots of different types, but it's soooo hard to find a good one that's not super heavy or really crumby....so...I mixed a couple of recipes and was actually pretty pleased with the results!

Basic Yellow Cake:

4 eggs
1 cup butter, room temp
3 cups cake flour (make your own by subing 2 Tbs corn starch for 2 Tbs of flour per cup)
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup buttermilk (make your own by adding a smidge of vinegar to reg milk)

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 min. Add eggs one at a time, scrape sides of bowl. Add vanilla.

Sift your flour (if making your own cake flour sift it 4 or 5 times to get the corn starch fully incorporated), baking powder, and salt.

Add flour mixture, alternating with the butter milk...starting and ending with flour.

Pour batter into prepared pans (buttered with parchment paper on the bottom, then buttered on the paper).

Bake 350 for 30 min...Do Not Over Bake!!!

***When using a large sheet cake pan (mine was 15x11), it is adviced to use a heat core deally...which means extra $$$...But, you can do the same thing with one of those flower making nails from wiltons (flat round area where you'd make your flower goes down, straight "nail" part goes up..then pour the batter around it). These make baking a little more even....I also turned my temp down to 325 for the big pan and increased my baking time to like 55 min...just watch it!

First batch of batter made all of Lego Indiana's extra "parts":

My coffee mugs made the perfect lego head shape, the flowered bowl for the hat, and 2 ramikins for the lego hands. The arms in the picture below were the sides leftover from shaping the lego body. It took 2 batches to fill my 15x11 pan.

Crumb coat everything. It will harden up a bit while you make your next batch of frosting.

The easiest way to "frost" with multiple colors on a cake is to preoutline the areas with the tip of your knife. I marked off the pant/shirt line and where I wanted the jaket to be. (the extra height of the foot area was just a scrap piece from the arms)

The head and hands were frosted ivory, the satchel, belt, and headband were the same brown color as the jacket with juuuust a little bit of red thrown in to offset it a bit.

Add the arms and decide that they're freakishly long (after you add the hands of course!)

For the brim of the hat I used a small tortilla, microwaved with the edge over the side of an upside down bowl to give it the curve. Frost and put onto the lego head. Add the hat, frost to cover the seams. Add your extras like headbands and belts. Pipe in details...black for eyes, mouth and pocket/shirt details. The facial hair was just brown dots piped on (don't ask me why, it's just how the lego guy looks!)

For the whip, I braided yarn and made a handle from brown duct tape.

Stab him with an 8 candle and you have instant birthday happiness!!!!!

Are You Ready to Party?

2011-10-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

.....I sure wasn't! Even after spending all day Friday getting ready and waking up at 6:30 am Saturday morning.....we still were running like crazies to get everything done on time!

Riley requested Dad's homemade pizza...mmmm mmm mmm!

Lego Indiana Jones was all he wanted....pretty cool, except that it's been forever and a day since the last movie and now everything is considered "collectors"..aka Expensive! Oh well, had to get creative for the cake (I'll post some kind of instructions later)....but I have to say, this is hands down the coolest one yet!

Corey wanted to get Riley something Captain America....and Jamie made him an Indiana Jones "whip" from brown yarn and duck tape.

The mask still hasn't left his face......

Well, maybe for a second when he opened Grandma, Grandpa, Duane and Crystal's present...yeah, they've been playing with it all morning.....Corey cracks me up because he sits there helping Riley put together this set and the whole time he's humming the Indiana Jones theme song...da da dadaaaaa, da da daaaaaa....

We had a full house, but it was a great party! My Aunt Beth and Uncle Dutch were in town from Seattle. Wow, the stories they have of their travels! I could have sat there for days soaking it all in! Jim's little brother David was home on leave for the week before heading off to his new base. Then, right before we had to leave for church, Jim's middle brother John and his family pulled in from St. Louis....we thought that we'd miss them so it was really nice to sneak a few hugs and kiss the baby ;)

Of course, there was lots of cake and ice cream...thankfully all but his head is left today!

Happy Birthday Buddy! Hope that it was one to remeber!

Eight is Super Great!

2011-10-08T06:44:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Riley!

Let's see..8...what a year of great things...

Now you're completely past even a smidge of being considered a baby, or little guy (even though I keep protesting!)

You still humor me and let me kiss your soft little kisser cheeks :)

Always the dare devil....

You never stop moving...Ever..even in your sleep...

Indiana Jones and John Wayne are about the coolest guys on earth...except for your Dad.

You love math, bikes, and skateboarding.

Sports Sports Sports! If it has a ball then you're gonna play it!

I love the fact that you give your brother's a run for their money....never letting being the youngest hold you back!

You're stubborn and won't back down (I know that right now, it gives me a headache..but someday that strong will is going to serve you well!)

You love Jesus....secretly sing worship songs...until you see that I'm smiling and watching ;)

Happy Birthday Little Man!

May this year be a year of growth and firsts and nothing but good things!!!

Love,

Mom xoxo

Wrapping Up

2011-10-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

I thought that I'd do a quick wrap up of the week.....early...because Saturday is Riley's birthday and things will get hectic quick!

Last weekend we went to a fall festival at the camp ground where my grandparents keep their rv. What a blast---games (which Riley cleaned house), hay rides, smores---cool temps, but perfect fall day!

The past 2 days, I've been battling a stomach thing...not really flu, just yuck....maybe my stomach has turned into Seymour....Feed Me (twinkies ;))

Yuck, I hope that whatever it is passes quickly!!!

We just finished chapters 7 and 8 in Made To Crave....the past few weeks have really hit me hard on how we as women actually view ourselves.

We are God's beautiful craftmenship...a crown jewel...princesses......and Satan wants to keep that thought smashed down in the dust!

One of the questions for group was on a scale, place an x

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

my body is flawed my body is a gift

Where would you rate yourself? What if that same mark was placed by someone you loved?

UGH! That would kill me!!!

So, here's the real question: why is it ok for us to have these feelings about ourselves....

I had this revelation that I'm a super cheerleader---I'll encourage you until the cows come home and then some. But....when it comes to myself, I'm a total downer. God brought the word self-loathing to mind the other day. Yep, pretty much sums it up....I can't take a complement without down playing or joking....

Just something else on the list of things that I'm going to have to work through on this journey....Hopefully that question made you think about how you view yourself too.

You are beautiful, the perfect handywork of the perfect creator! God loves you exactly where you are---But--He also loves you too much to leave you where you're at!

Grow in Him, Learn who you are through His eyes, and run with it!!!!

Spaghetti....Or Is It?

2011-09-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was quite the poop day for me, but today is a new day and I will not let anything steal my joy! (small group went great, God revealed some major things in my life....more on that later)

For some of you, this may officially mark the day I dived into the deep end...but, for others....maybe I'll show you how simple little changes can make a huge difference!!!

This February marks two years since we kicked pretty much all processed items to the curb...limited sugar....rare breads and grains..even rarer still...potatoes (mmmmm....potatoes!)

What does a family do when their old staples involved such delicacies (maybe a better word would be deficiencies!)? Spaghetti...oh, the way the pasta rolls on the fork...mmmmm...sopping up sauce with your hunk of garlic bread..oh yeah.....

Hungry?

Why not try spaghetti squash? A What?!?

I should have taken a before picture (and sorry for the poor cell phone on a cloudy day pics, but it is what it is!).....basically spaghetti squash is the big yellow oblong one in the barrel of squashes ;)

Wash it...Poke it....Bake it at 350 for an hour and 15 min.

Let it cool a bit, cut it in half lengthwise, and de-seed it. You'll probably notice that the flesh is pretty stringy.....just use your fork to help it along...it's freaky how similar it looks like spaghetti!!!

It doesn't taste like anything...much like regular pasta.....

Homemade sauce is super easy. When we cut out pasta, there really wasn't a reason to make it.....oh Yum!!!

We obviously have a big family....3 boys can plow through anything in about 2 seconds so here's my recipe....feel free to addlib....seriously, You Can't Mess Up Sauce!!! Originally, I was going for a roasted tomato type deal. But after roasting 3 lbs of tomatoes and only getting about a quarter of the container worth of sauce, I had to make it work. Feel free to use all roma tomatoes...if they grew weren't a million dollars a pound, I sure would!!!! BUT, they did add a nice roasty sweetness to it..so make sure to do what you can :)

Easy Everything in the Fridge Marinara:

3lbs roma tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, not peeled

preheat oven to 400. put your halved tomatoes on a baking sheet-cut side up, drizzle with olive oil and toss on some salt and pepper. wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and put it on with the tomatoes. roast for around an hour (thank you smitten kitchen for this first part!!!!!). the tomatoes will be browning on the tops. let cool a bit so that you can handle them without burning your fingers off. at this point you can core and de-seed them or just take out the little core part...whatever you like...no biggie. I chopped mine up a bit.

while the tomatoes are cooling, saute an onion, mushrooms, and a bell pepper (if you like...or not...).

put tomatoes in the same pot as your veggies, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the tomatoes. add your seasonings....woodman's carries a little herb pasta pack with bay leaves, basil, parsley, and thyme....but do what your family would like. at this point, I needed more sauce pronto....so I used 2 big cans of crushed tomatoes and a small can of sauce (or paste). add probably 1/2 tsp of baking soda to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. the roasting process really gave these a nice sweetness so that's it..no sugar.....but, if you want go for it and add some. we are also a spicey family so a good shake of pepper flakes, some more salt and pepper and then you're good to go!

Here's what's for dinner (and yes, all of our boys chowed down without batting an eye...but it could be that they forgot what real pasta tasted like!!!)

Yum! And super healthy....no refined carbs...ya got the good fat from olive oil....lean protien...oh, yeah...(also....that plate is a Heck of a lot of food!!! this new plan that I'm on is killing me with how much I'm eating....more than I've ever eaten before...but it works in some bizzaro Alice in Wonderland twist!)

Let me know if you make this---go for it---you know that you want to try it!

The Crying Game

2011-09-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

I feel like as of late, all of my posts start with some form of wow...so why switch it?

WOW!

what a day!

Grey drippy skies, red drippy eyes (and no, I don't have a sinus issue)

I feel like I'm on a bigger emotional roller coaster than my preteen....gak! I'm not an outward crier (I know that some of you who know me personally think that's a load of bull...but you're special and get to see the sloppy, loud tears).

Today is a beaten down, sob fest of a day.

Am I manic? eh, who knows ;) I'll blame a piece of it on my diet and my body changing to a normal rhythm....but most of it, I'm squarely pointing my finger at that sneaky clump of dirt Devil! See, so there...I see through it...why don't ya just go take a flying leap back into that old lake of fire!

I'm refusing to fall for it. I know who I am---a daughter of the king! I know that Jesus sits up in heaven on his throne and everything else is underneath him..that means you, Satan.

Through the Holy Spirit, the same Great Power that raised my Jesus from the dead, lives in me!

I can do Anything In Christ Jesus who strenthens me!

God has traveled this path before me...and even when I don't feel it, when I am weak and down trodden..He is there, holding me up, helping me, giving me just enough make it through this day.

And one day, when I look back on it all...I'm not even going to think of you and your schemes Devil, because All That I Will See Is The Glorious Way My Savior Came Through For Me!

So, with that...I'll leave you with a line from my new favorite song, Breakout by Jake Hamilton...To hell with the Devil, heaven's all I see. Got no time for distractions when I'm living in glory....

And..So Are The Days of My Life......

2011-09-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

Wow....seriously, where does the time go?!?

Schooling the boys is going great this year....so much easier than the previous years....could it possibly be because everyone can read directions on their own!!!

Small group is going fantastic! I'm really enjoying getting to know these ladies better....still miss my sisters from Lori's group, but I know that they've got my back!!!

This weekend my friend Kim tied the knot with a super great guy! I was honored to stand up with them as they said their I do's.......and found a fabulous dress at David's Outlet for $30!

After losing 20 lbs, I had to have the dress taken in big time...thank you Joyce!!!! (and thank God for safety pins...or else I would have never been able to keep the crazy thing up!)

As I uploaded this wedding pic onto facebook, ..a picture from a year and a half ago caught my eye....wow...I'm close to 50 lbs lighter!!!

I'm totally in tears.....

When you're in the midst of such a long journey, it is really hard to see progress....really hard...

I'm not posting this to get pats on the back, just...well....no matter what you go through, little steps lead to big accomplishments....one day you feel like you're going no where fast and then the next you look back and see how far you've come.

Don't lose hope. Don't get discouraged. God has made us for so much more!!!!

Tackling the Green Monster

2011-08-27T09:53:00.002-05:00

If you look around healthy food sites, you'll see a ton of green smoothies....all proclaiming that "You can't even taste the spinach!"....Ok, Popeye (rolling eyes)

With my knees all going to heck (finally went to the old doc, now on meds and P.T.), trying to lose weight, and improving my general health...I decided to bite the bullet...or the monster....

The Big Green Monster!!!!!

Here's the specs:

1 banana
couple fresh strawberries
handful of frozen pineapple
2 spoonfuls of plain yogurt
1/4 cup Almond Milk
a squirt of honey (probably didn't really need this with the fruit)
and...
A Big Old Handful of Spinach...oh yes I did!!!

Honestly, it wasn't bad! No, take that back....it was Good!!! I am not a huge fan of spinach, childhood issues probably, and I couldn't taste it AT ALL! Who Knew?!?

These will be on the menu for the month...I'm hoping for big things...well, smaller things actually ;)

(yes, I know that it looks like a almond breeze commercial....sorry, it's early....but, in my opinion, that brand tastes the best!!!)

Got Your Back

2011-08-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Pinterest the other day and now it's a running joke with my sister ;)

I've been reading through Nehemiah this week. It's currently one of my favorite Old Testament books......

So, yesterday Nehemiah 4 just struck me.

They had begun to rebuild Jerusalem's wall, God had moved major obstacles for them even to begin the project of refortifying their city......and everything went great until they were halfway done.

Isn't that how it always goes?!? You have excitement, momentum and then Wham-O!

The opposition kicked in---What do these Jews think that they're doing? Look at this mess...do they think that they can build the wall overnight? Ha, if a fox climbed on this pathetic wall, it would crumble!!!!

Did Nehemiah yell back "Oh Yeah?!? Well we're rubber, you're glue...everything bounces off of us and sticks to you!"?....no.....he stopped and prayed to God for vindication.

When their enemies heard that it was going so well rebuilding the wall, they put their heads together, creating as much trouble as they possibly could....the people got tired, leaders got discouraged...their morale was crumbling worse than the wall!

They countered with Prayer and round the clock guards.

It's like a volleyball game....the enemy attacks, God's team bumps it back.....dig...set...Spike! Life's just like that...a constant back and forth...offense and defense...and sometimes the Devil tosses in an extra ball or two to keep you on your feet.

When the attack got heavy, Nehemiah stationed guards behind the workers: Don't be afraid of them--Put your minds on the Lord and fight for your families and your homes! Half the men worked while half stood guard and then at night, everyone stood guard. They didn't even change their clothes!

We're talking some serious man power....everyone chipping in....everyone taking a claim to the fight!

This really inspired me. We are all in this war. Everyone has a battle raging somewhere. Imagine the progress we'd make if we all chipped in and had each other's backs?!?

I have been so blessed by countless friends coming up and standing with me in some crazy battles....but some people aren't so lucky....they're positioned a bit farther down the wall, or maybe at a weak point....we need to Rally!

Don't stop, Keep encouraging each other, Pray Pray Pray, Fight Fight Fight!

As a friend said in an earlier comment, Satan is just a punk...and we have the Best Head Coach Ever!!!!! He knows all the plays. We know who wins! There is nothing too big or too far gone that He cannot save!

So, do you need some backup? A prayer, a hug, encouragement to just keep on keepin' on?

I've got your back! Just let me know :)

(and there's plenty of Nehemiah to come...seriously loving this book....God is just speaking fresh life through it to my heart!)

2011-08-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

Last week we headed up north for a smidge of roughing it.....got ate alive by flies, hurt my knee, and even enjoyed it just a little bit!

We did a little bit of this...

and this...

Jim did a lot of this....

a lot....

Got to hold this little cutie (the bubbers, not my sister in law)....

these looks were given out freely....

the inlaws got in a bit of this.....

while we kicked it up a knotch....

there was plenty of this....

and hanging on for dear life.....

and sometimes it wasn't enough....

ok...every time.....

Camping wasn't as bad as I thought....
The boys had a blast...
Jim took Very good care of us...
And even though I am in a drug induced stupor from meds for my knee, I probably could be convinced to do it again ;)

What a Week!!!!!

2011-08-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

Talk about an all out free for all battle! Thankfully, God came through in mighty ways...told ya Devil, get on those running shoes, because you're gonna flee! Makes me think of that sunday school song when I was a kid:

My God is so great, so strong and so mighty,
there's nothing my God cannot do!

It's so amazing to see how stepping back, relying on God to vindicate all things, really Works! Still battles are raging, but we see them for what they really are....pathetic attempts to throw us off. Instead of being flustered, I'm just singing his praises! He goes into battle before us--the victory is not ours, but His!

Speaking of victory.....

I'm going to be hosting a new small group this September:

www.madetocrave.org

Last summer, I did so well on being healthy....fall and winter..and spring...and let's face it most of summer....not so much. Spiraling, feeling sick, tired, and hurting, out of control in so much more than just eating....all led me to this book recommended by my lovely friend Courtney!

Right now, I have a handful of ladies that are in on this journey with me! We are starting early, walking a mile, coming back and learning how to rely on God to be our strength, our comfort, and our reward.

The steps that I'm taking to start this journey to complete health?

--Reading my Bible Every day...fill up my God tank first! If I'm feeling tempted later, I head upstairs (far from the kitchen ;)) and grab a few pages of Jesus to fill my need.

--I cut out sugars, carbs, and most dairy. We did this last spring and I felt amazing...somehow, the carb coma won out and I stopped being so diligent....

--Walking..Walking..Walking! Every Day...plug into my praise and worship and hit the pavement! Prayer Walking makes it go so much faster!!!!! I've had to catch myself a couple of times from really letting go...or else people would start talking about the crazy lady walking around town, talking to herself and dancing ;)

Struggles so far....food (duh)....drinking Lots of water (and getting up at 2:30 every morning because of it!)...my knees are KILLING ME! (I know that it is just another hurdle, but I will get past it!).

Victories....in the last 2 weeks I've dropped 8lbs :)

I'll be starting Fatty Boombalatty Fridays again....keeping me accountable and then once we start our study, I'll go over what I've learned that week!

Have a great weekend....and remember that no matter what obstacle you face, Our God is great, so strong and so might, there's nothing our God cannot do! (cling to God and the devil will flee!!!!!)

Weapons and Lies

2011-08-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

No weapon formed against you will previal,

and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,

and this is their vindication from me.

Isaiah 54:17

Submit to God, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you!
James 4:7

well Satan, you better start walkin'!

Fourfold Inspiration

2011-07-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

This morning I came across this Fourfold Franciscan Blessing .

It was such a life giving call to action that I thought I'd share it with you :)

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deeply within your heart.

May God bless you with a holy anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

Do you feel recharged? Ready for Battle?

With all the turmoil of national debt and will so and so get paid or cut or whatever, imagine what would happen if we, the body, took a stand.....nuts to a balanced budget or higher debt ceiling....if we were actually doing what we have been instructed to do, none of this would matter---taking care of our aged parents, poor, widows, and orphans.

What if we, the church, made such a radical impact on society that people turned first to The Cross and then to the government?

We need to bust out of our Holy Huddles and love on people with all the love of Christ!!!!!

ok...enough soapboxing....May God bless you with eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that loves those who He Loves!

Wise Counsel

2011-07-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm so enthralled with the O.T. right now!

Who knew that some of this stuff could be So Interesting!?!?

I flew through 1st and 2nd Samuel and am now over halfway through 1st Kings.

Did you know that David's son Absalom was the first baby kissing, handshaking, mumbo jumbo talkin' politician? Yep, he sat at the town gate, shaking hands, kissing cheeks and promoting his cause trying to overthrow his dad.

David had a serious problem keeping his kids under control. In fact, pretty much all of the major guys in the Old Test. had family issues. Why is that? Makes you really think about how sometimes we loose focus on what really matters even though we are doing something good....like running a country...

When it comes to advice, time and time again, wise counsel is so Important!

David's son Absalom had the rebellion in the bag...until, he followed the advice of someone secretly loyal to David. His plan to attack David played on Absalom's pride and led to his defeat and death.

Solomon, the wisest man on earth (and whoa, did he seriously fall or what?!?), obviously didn't pass any of it down to his kids. Maybe he was too busy entertaining people from all over the world who came to just sit and listen to him... His son, Rahoboam, completely ignored the advice of his father's elders when it came to dealing with his new kingdom.

The good advice was to serve his people and they will serve him. Humble, serving...not really the awesome lifestyle of a King.

His friends told him to flex his muscle, show them who's boss---if you thought my father's yoke was heavy, mine will be even heavier still! And the people rebelled, and he lost most of his kingdom (Israel split from Judah)....just as God told Solomon would happen because of his disobedience.

So, whose your counsel? Oprah? Horiscopes? Dr. Phil? Self Help Books?

Reading through the O.T. has been so eye opening...learn from our fathers' mistakes...grow from their wisdom and experience.

And most of all, look to God! He lays it all out for us. Sometimes it seems as clear as mud, but He won't ever steer you wrong!!!! He knew you before you were born, formed you in your mother's womb...molded for His good works.

Don't waste yourself on shoddy advice or fads---God's word stands the test of time!

These are all things that we have been in deep discussion about with Jamie. He's getting to that delightful age where he knows best, we know nothing. I really want to instill this sensitivity to where he gets his knowledge.

O Lord, give my sons discerning hearts--let wisdom be their guides--grow in them hearts that follow after you, that walk in your ways and follow your statutes! Bless them with wise counsel when the time comes and protect them from fools with selfish motives at heart!

Dress to Impress?

2011-07-24T18:57:00.000-05:00

I haven't written lately on my progress reading through the Bible cover to cover. I just finished 2 Samuel this afternoon.....so I thought that I'd write about one of the things that really struck me.

In 2 Samuel 6, David was bringing the ark into Jerusalem. He had started this journey earlier. But when Uzzah fell against the ark and died, David became afraid and dropped it off at the closest place.

When he finally came to terms with what had happened (and saw how greatly God was blessing the house where the ark stayed), David decided to give it a second go around. This time, they stopped every few feet to offer sacrifices to the Lord. David danced and sang with all of his might during this procession into Jerusalem.

He danced and sang with All His Might....so much so that his wife was embarrassed by his undignified manner.

He replied that he would praise God with all of his might--undignified or not--God chose him, made him a prince and after all of that running around and hiding out in caves God's promise was finally coming true! I'll dance to bring God glory, more recklessly than this--I'll look like a total fool because of all that he's done for me!

Here's where I was convicted....God has given us so much...yes, we are still in our own little barren desert right now, but we are still blessed so very much.

So, what or who do I keep this dignity for?

I should be shouting from the rooftops His praises....dancing down the street, singing with all of my might---Loco in the Spirit!

Filled and totally over the top on fire for the Lord! That's where I want to be!!!

I will celebrate, sing unto the Lord..I will sing to him a new song!

Then and Now

2011-07-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that 2 summers have past since we got our new boat....

-hard to believe that the boys have gone from a little tank shaped tube that was all enclosed to almost getting up on water skis by themselves!

-even harder still to see how much they have grown since this picture was taken...

Yet, somethings never change....3 brothers hanging out by the water...bigger, but still buddies :)

Pepsi and Pox

2011-07-16T00:03:00.000-05:00

2 Things that I really love to have in the house :

Pepsi made with sugar in a glass bottle and Chicken Pox

(well, not all of the time....just on special occasions..but you get the idea)

Remember this from April Fools? Rainbow Pox....Oh Yeah!

We are trying like the dickens to get the real deal here.....we had a play date with some new friends who recently moved to the area and brought these happy red spots ..the elusive chicken pox!

We have our fingers crossed that sometime in the next 10-14 days we'll be buying stock in calamine lotion and having more play dates with other friends wanting spotted kids too.

If we've successfully inoculated our kiddos, I'll be sitting back happily drinking my Mexican Pepsi while we stick it to the ridiculous pharm companies ;)

Just for kicks and giggles, I might wear a tie dyed shirt, make granola and get a pair of Jim's favorite shoes....

Have an awesome weekend! It's supposed to be crazy hot here for the next few days....so we're heading to the lake :)

Water World

2011-07-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

this has got to be my favorite picture in a long time! It's soooo Riley and Corey ;)

One minute they're fighting, the next best buds...

Someone is ready for the water!

And someone else could care less again this year...I'm still holding out hope that we'll get him back in a tube!

Everything is a competition with Dad now...how long can you stay on a tube...how crazy can you act without falling off....you name it Jamie will think of it!

Here's a couple good shots of Jim to make up for me laughing at him the other day ;)

What can I say....my boys are made for water!

Only a Week's Gone By?!?

2011-07-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a glimpse of the hilarity that flowed last weekend...

We are so blessed to have family and friends to be there along side of us...while everything could have been a major downer, they helped bring out some bright spots in our adventure ;)

Robbie, what can ya say about Robbie? He hasn't lived in the area allllll that long, but wow...what a great friend!!! He gives and gives and gives (usually sarcasm, but sometimes he actually helps out! Just kidding Robbie :))

He helped with tent set up and hung out while the "dears" flew---as in "Dear, I think that this table needs to be over here" or "Oh Love of My LIFE...would you please hang this up Straight"...or my fav "Darling, I don't think that's possible" (Jim might have said that about 100 times during the set up..somehow, my vision and reality didn't always agree!).

Yes, I spelled Hackleburg wrong for the night....but in my defense, I only had a couple of hours of sleep and I was stressed out about the health dept. inspector being in the next booth (which I shouldn't have been because he came in and spent all of 10 seconds in our tent..duh, I talked to the H.D. a million times to make sure that I had everything perfect)

I'm pretty sure that Jim is actually ASLEEP in this picture. About 2 seconds after this shot, he almost dropped the can of pop!

The boys came and went, back and forth from Grandma's pool to festival food...

Oh, festival food...urp!

Everyone enjoyed the lack of diet that weekend....

And of course, Grandma let them play carni games...

Wow, that preteen 'tude...I am sooo not ready for it!

Fairly certain that he is Actually awake in this one ;)

So, the festival sales were kind of a bust....but we were able to meet some really neat people and get the word out about Hackleburg.

The boys learned some good lessons. Jamie was pretty upset when he heard some high school boys running their mouths about how we'd never raise money that way.

We trusted in God, stepped out in obedience....and I'm so amazed to say that since last week's total...we've gone over the $1000 mark!!!!!

God Is So Good!

When You Give A 7 Year Old A Camera...

2011-07-09T23:19:00.000-05:00

Our day at the lake started like most lake trips...running behind, forgetting important things like grill tongs (but the hubster is super creative and made do with a monkey wrench).

This little guy was in fine form...

Until he fell off a metal culvert and scraped up his arm...grumpy grumpy grumpy about not being allowed in the water

To help ease the pain, I gave him my new to me camera...yep....my new baby..my $400 camera! (what was I thinking?!? I just held my breath and prayed that it wouldn't end up in the lake!)

Here's a bit of the 400 images he captured:

Hi Dad!

Ooooohh.....yeah, no idea what we photographing there, but there were a few sky pics ;)

Almost!

Here we go!

Nice action shot!

And this is what you get when you're a Dad trying to hot dog it for your kids!

Ha! Amazing what you miss when you're driving the boat!

Jamie kept yelling "Hot Dog Down..Hot Dog Down!"

Doh, that one's gonna hurt in the morning!

Friday Quickie

2011-07-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

I figured you all would probably be getting sick of hearing about cookies...

so, here's what we're taking to the Alabama Mission Team pot luck tonight

Antipasto Skewers

Yummy!!!

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend :)

We're finally getting the boat out on the water tomorrow (and maybe a bonus stop at Brennan's grocery store...hint hint hint Jim!)

We Will Stand By You

2011-07-06T13:38:00.001-05:00

I'm sure most of you are waiting with baited breath to hear our weekend results....

It took me a day to process all that happened..and sleep for the first time in a month. (I'll post pictures later)

The sales were less than expected...the 4th was hot hot hot and every booth experienced the same problem. Disappointing, yes.....

But then this morning, Jim showed me the video that the amazing Nate Miller put together for their trip. I cried. I remembered Why we did what we did.

This isn't the same video, but they used the same song...still made me cry....

As of today, we have raised over $700 to go to Hackleburg Helping Hands. God is so good and faithful, that even with a freezer full of cookies we still raised a completely humbling over the top God sized amount!

Thank You to everyone who had donated, volunteered, and bought cookies!!!

Our cookie stock pile keeps getting smaller and smaller...people can't get enough of them-14 doz sold yesterday!. If you're local and want some cookies, let me know!!!!!

So, our total keeps growing....and as I rewatched the mission trip video, I know that again...We're not done yet!

In August, my grandparents' town is having a festival and parade...I think we'll stick with the original game plan...and have a lemonade stand in their yard.

As long as there's a need, we'll be here....baking cookies and serving lemonade....

Because, We are standing by you Hackleburg Alabama!!!!

Worth It?

2011-07-04T00:06:00.000-05:00

After 5 days of baking for usually over 8 hrs a day...

One really starts to question their sanity!!!!!

Without a doubt, I'd still be at the church frosting if it weren't for my wonderful friends!!!!!!!

Thank You Amber!

And Grandma!

And Shelby

And sweet Abby

And my mom!

These ladies worked their fingers to the bone to frost over 500 cookies plus put up with me asking them to dot a little heart over Alabama!

Sleep is soooo lacking that my brain is barely functioning.....my feet and back are killing me....and I just had to ask myself today as I was running to the store Again:

Ugh, Is This Really Worth IT?!?

To which I got a swift reply from God----The People of Hackleburg are worth it to me, Shelly.

So, yes..I've been sore and frazzled and super tired....but, when it helps bring comfort or fill a need to someone hurting from such great loss....It's Totally Worth It!

It's onward and upward....marching to the finish line of this great big crazy cookie adventure!

We set up our booth this afternoon. It was pretty slow today, but I was warned that tomorrow will be nuts!

I'll have more pictures and plenty of stories because I just have this feeling that God is going to move in a big way through this!

I'm off to bed so that I can try for a few zzz's before the alarm goes off again and we start all over...

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!!!!!

Paint, Heat and God's Loving Patience!

2011-06-30T12:53:00.000-05:00

How's that for totally random titles?!?

Sorry the old brain is too far gone for whit and satire...although, I could use a good joke..so if you have one...I'll take it!

On a whim I decided that we Had to Have these tiered trays for the cookie stand!

So...I sent Jim out for some spray paint on his way home today.....fun fun fun in the Northern Illinois Sun!

SssshhhYeah Right!

Can I say it's stinkin' HOT out?!?

And, with the boys in VBS in the evening it's been impossible to sneak over to my parents' pool! Shew...at least the boys will enjoy it while we're selling cookies most of the weekend ;)

Yesterday was such a dumpy bummer! I finally got some quiet time (why don't I just put the breaks on things as soon as they head south and take some time out?!?). Duh!

I've been reading this book that Jamie got me for my birthday....the chapter yesterday? The Unseen Battle....especially once you get on satan's radar.....UH Hellooooo? Makes sense once I stepped back from the situation. Again...Double Duh!

Then I started doing my Bible reading for the day (and yes, with everything going on, I've really neglected reading my chapters everyday.....but, I Really needed this chapter at that moment so I guess it all worked out!)

Yesterday's first chapter was 1 Sam. 14. Jonathan and his armor bearer decided to go across to a Philistine outpost...in hopes that God would work with them. Everyone else was just taking it easy, sitting around weaponless and not knowing what to do.

I love how the Message says it:

There's no rule that says God can only deliver us using a big army. No one can stop God from saving once he sets his mind to it.

God delivered that outpost into Jonathan's hands...and that small battle set off a chain reaction that delivered the entire army into Israel's hands...two guys, one with a sword...

Plus One Very Big God!

So, I may be feeling a smidge overwhelmed and slightly frantic....but when God sets his mind on something and puts it on our hearts, we Can Do It! Everything will work out for this weekend....we will raise funds beyond our imagination to help Hackleburg and God will be glorified through it!

3 boys, 1,000 cookies and endless needs to be met....but God is so much bigger than any situation we will ever come up against (and I am so very thankful for that!!!!!!!)

Sunny Side Up?

2011-06-29T09:06:00.001-05:00

..Or Completely Scrambled?!?

I feel like that old "this is your brain on drugs" commercial...except I'm not On drugs and I don't think my egg made it to the pan (more like dropped on the floor and the cook slid in it!)

++++++++

Allergies are kicking my behind! Just a reminder that I Am So Over Northern Illinois!!!!!

Poor Riley sounds like Darth Vader, has a constant runny nose and has teeth growing in all the wrong places! Do any of you have experience with this? Jim and I never had braces....his poor little mouth is a mess with Huge front teeth..little baby teeth not falling out while big teeth push in behind...UGH!

++++++++

Cookies...oh the Cookies in this house!

My freezer is completely filled with boxes and boxes of Cookies!

We decorate all 51 doz sugar cookies Friday...yeah, I'm looking forward to that :/

Pray that they'll dry in time for us to leave the church at a decent hour!!!

++++++++

Boy that was a lot of moaning!

So, on the flipside----

My flowers are blooming, our tdpole have turned into teeny tiny baby toads and Jamie has learned to mow the yard.

Riley's teeth will be fine (eventually)..and...we have dental insurance so it won't tank us when he sees the dentist.

We were able to reach our goal of 100 doz cookies....people have been pre-ordering them (won't sell out before the 4th...but that'd be fine with me!)

I'm thinking about partying on the 5th...or sleeping...either way, just keep taking one step at a time and we'll make it through :)

Right?

Back To Work!

2011-06-22T10:15:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last two days doing pretty much a whole lotta nothin! And it's been GOOD!

But now, it's time to get back to work!

I've got a date with a paint brush, the washing machine, and maybe....just maybe.....the stove! (about time I actually cooked a meal around here!)

Happy Wednesday!!!

From the Mouths of Babes....and Matthew West....

2011-06-20T08:30:00.001-05:00

Saturday was day one of the baking craziness!

My sister and brother-in-law came to help (and brought all of their fancy schmancy kitchen gadgets)

My mom came too...and helped until the. Very. End! (she is a much better person than I am...seriously, I was about 2 seconds way from having a major temper tantrum...IN The Church Kitchen!!!)

This picture doesn't even begin to show ALL of the ingredients it takes to make 50 dozen peanut butter cookies!!! 10 boxes of butter, 40 eggs, 25 lbs of sugar, and can't remember how many packages of flour and brown sugar we used....oh and 10 lbs of Peanut Butter!!!

That huge bowl was constantly filled, emptied, refilled...and filled some more!!!

In the end we had 583 cookies...not quite 50 dozen, but good enough for me!!!

I was SO tired. My legs hurt. ALL that I could think about was--Crap, we're only half way done....and These Were The Easy Ones!!!! I still only smell peanut butter....

My attitude was even stinkier!

Then I came home, tired, sore, and awful....

Jamie called me over because I just had to watch this video...

V8 smacking my forehead....

Me, Me, Me...thoughts of what was I thinking taking this on....all this garbage, when my focus really is on helping Hackleburg!

I love that my 11 year old gets this better than I do........
(and now I'm crying, thankful that even though I'm a selfish mess up...my son Rocks!)

Superman....

2011-06-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

It may sound cliche, or super cheesy on this day celebrating Fathers...

But, my boys do have Superman for their Dad!

He runs into burning buildings without hesitation, holds peoples' delicate lives in his hands...

He helps those in need.....tirelessly working on projects that seem so hopeless...only to accomplish so much with his group!

He loves their momma in a way that I can only pray they learn to love their own wives one day...

...and he loves them So Much....giving everything for them to have the best life possible

He shows them what it means to be a man of honor, dedication, truth and hard work...he guides them in how to love the Lord with all their hearts.....he lives to put others first....always help those in need..those in trouble...those who are hurting.

Words cannot even begin to describe my feelings toward Jim....I am so very thankful that God put him in my life, that we were blessed to have 3 wonderful boys and that I am privileged enough to watch him be this amazing Dad!!!!

Renewed Furniture

2011-06-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

You all might remember this beauty from last week's long list of projects:

After lots of resanding (remember the post on how Not to Stain a Table?!?), Jim was able to fix my snafoo and actually teach me a thing or two!

Countless coats of Polyurithane later...we have an acceptable set.....well..almost...

...acceptable enough to sell to some stranger at a yard sale....but when my best friend Amber put dibs on them, I told her I'd sell it to her only after I fixed the little things that annoyed me about them (and put a few more coats of poly on so that it would be toddler proof and super wipe-able when her darling 1 yr old tossed food all over the white legs !)

Some how or another, ya know in the midst of ALL that I was doing last week...I lost the before pic of this end table!!!

I loved it...it matches my soon to be finished hutch/dresser thingy...But...it's HUGE..takes up way too much space in the ol' bedroom. So....it too got sold on my sister's garage sale :(

I keep telling myself that..yep...it really was too big....yeah....ok...suck it up, another one will come along Miss Thing!

I've been bitten by the refurnishing bug so expect a lot more pieces in the future!!!!!!!

Happy Thursday to you all :)

It's beautiful and sunny and my kiddos want to swim, so I'd better get moving!

Go Big or Go Home!

2011-06-15T12:11:00.000-05:00

So, most of you in the area know our crazy, oh my goodness..what in the world did I do, plan!

...but for those who don't....

After the past weekend's success in raising money to send to Hackleburg Helping Hands, we really felt like we weren't quite done yet....soooo....

I signed us up as a vendor in Winnebago's 4th of July Fest.

Seriously, this is huge...big time....makes you take some major pause going from a little lemonade stand to an actual Event!

After trying to figure out how many cookies to make...which is completely impossible....Jim just said let's set a dollar amount that we'd like to reach and go from there...

This Saturday we are beginning to start baking..wait for it...wait for it...

100 Dozen Cookies!!! I feel a smidge like Dr. Evil when I say this to people!

The ingredient list alone is so overwhelming! 40 lbs of powdered sugar...6 doz eggs...160 oz peanut butter....44 lbs of Butter!!! Don't even get me started on flour!

This is becoming so much bigger than anything we can handle on our own...

If you could keep this in your prayers, I would really appreciate it!!! Already this is spreading like wildfire..who knows what all God will do through this little stand...but He does work mightily through the little guy and you can't get much more meager than us! Pray for favor, that we could raise unbelievable God sized amounts to help out Hackleburg. Pray for volunteers that will come alongside us as we bake bake BAKE and during the Festival on the 3rd and 4th---and that the weather will be spectacular and draw huge crowds! And last, but certainly not least, pray that while we're out there selling, we would have divine appointments to show God's love :)

Best Lemonade Stand EVER!

2011-06-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

Friday and Saturday was the day for the boys---

First we set up at my sister's garage sale for the day on Friday. We prayed over the stand, asking God to just show up and totally bless our efforts to help Hackleburg!

Kim was our first customer--getting there at *yawn* 7:20 a.m.! (Kim, we seriously need to get together more often....Love Ya Girlfriend!) She was a sweetheart and bought cookies for her Hub And her coworkers!

Then the waiting began!

I love this shot---can you tell they are already sick of having the camera in their face?!?

By the day's end, we had raised $80 for Hackleburg!!!!!

From. A. Lemonade. Stand. At. A. Garage. Sale. People! WOW!

Saturday was gloomy and cold, but we still headed out for our town festival's parade. So again, the first thing we did was pray that we could have a good day to be able to send a bit of hope to Hackleburg!

Our neighbor boy (can you call a college student a "boy"?....we've been here for 10 yrs so I guess he'll always be a boy!) came over and said that he'd been waiting ever since we put the sign out in the morning! He bought a doz cookies!

Before the rush...notice the "full" lemonade?!? Yeah, talk about craziness!!!! We had baseball teams getting ready to walk in the parade, families waiting for the parade to start (even people dashing across during the parade!), town police officers, some of Jim's fellow Alabama volunteers....tons of people, people, people!

Oh, the cookies that we sold! On Friday I went to Crystal's with about 9 doz cookies...almost completely sold out! I had to get up at 5 am (ugh!) to make another 7 or so doz cookies (yes, I was cutting out sugar cookies at 5 AM!)

I don't remember which cookie site I saw the states with a heart at....I looked at so many to find the perfect recipes!!!!! Needless to say, next time......double the smiley faces! When I first really looked at them, I thought-- Great, I just made Walmart cookies! :) But People LOVED Them!

I adored The Sweet Adventures of Sugar Belle's sugar cookie recipe! Best EVER!!! I halved the amount of baking powder once on accident...both ways turned out fantastic! One super awesome trick for rolling out the dough (from At Home With The Farmer's Wife) was to tape to your counter 2--5 Gal paint sticks just shy of the width of your rolling pin. This made a guide for the dough, just shake in some flour between the sticks, plop down the dough and roll out some perfectly even cookies in a flash :) I know it's like using the gutter guards when bowling, but I whipped out 5 Doz cookies in 2.5 hours....from making the dough to the last pan baked!!! I'll take the cheater method please!

It took me forever to find a royal icing that I actually liked...3 disappointing batches (but they still sold, I'm just picky!). This one was hands down the easiest and best to work with from The Decorated Cookie!!!!! You have to go down a little ways, but it's the Royal Icing (sort of)....amazing...kept it's shine, didn't get crumbly or gross...perfect!

These peanut butter cookies I'm renaming peanut butter crack---over half of our sales were in these and they ran out first! The recipe was from Food, Folks, and Fun :)

They were able to take a little parade break in midst of the lemonade chaos!

Full bags and Full Bellies!

We sold, sold, sold....even made the front page of a local news paper!

When all was said and done, the boys sold over $200 in two days!

Sunday morning, as I was laying in bed...half comatose from all the Baking...I felt like this wasn't supposed to be the end!!! If 2 little boys could raise that much from a small garage sale and half a blocks worth of people waiting for a parade, what could we do in a larger event.......We Shall See! (Details coming soon as we figure them out!)

Lonely on the Outside

2011-06-08T14:14:00.001-05:00

...I'm blaming exhaustion, but boy today has been emotional...

Do you ever just have those days when you feel alone?

I've been making my crazy fringe check list today and having a total pitty party!

--crazy people who homeschool..check!

--don't let the boys eat cereal...check!

--what?!? You make everything that you guys eat...check!

--wow, that's a lot of effort to put into painting old furniture...check!

Wallow Wallow Wallow!

Then I remember:

Jim did an awesome job fixing my staining mess!

I got a friend request from someone local, who wants to trade organic info!

My neighbor Loves all of my craptacular crafts!

So, I guess 1 isn't a lonely number...just needed to stop and think ;)

On a totally different subject, Riley is Covered in a rash today---too much junk at the gma's?---allergic to sunscreen?---too much pool time in the past 3 days?

That kid is such a mystery!!!

Refurbished Lemons

2011-06-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, Jim just got back from a week in Alabama, helping with clean up in Hackleburg.

The boys were so obsessed with the families whose lives were turned upside down by the tornadoes. They wanted to help, but what can kids in Northern Illinois do to help people 13 hours away----hold a few lemonade stands!

Can I just say that I am so blessed to have Jim as my husband! Seriously, he can turn out a table made from 4x4 scraps and an old bank countertop in no time flat!

Hang our huge chalkboard/goodwill sofa painting for a menu board.

Prime, prime, prime!!!

Spray paint YELLOW and tada!

If you're local, Friday we will be at my sister's garage sale and Saturday we will be out in front of our house during the parade.

If you're not local and still want to help, I'd gladly ship cookies but I'd have to see how much shipping would be....otherwise, the super fantastic easy way would be to donate directly to

http://www.hackleburghelpinghands.com

What Was I Thinkin'

2011-06-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the country song What Was I Thinkin'?

That was pretty much what was going through my head this morning....

This is a hand-me down table that we got when we were first married....back in the late 90's...can you tell?!? (oh, HGTV you done me Wrong!)

My little sister is having a garage sale this weekend...

And considering my new found refinishing skills....

And the fact that we're trying to downsize...

I figured, let's spruce things up and try and make a few bucks.

Hours of sanding and painting later:

Here's a little staining tip for ya:

DO NOT Try to Stain something when it's a Bagillion degrees outside..oh, or when it's nature's Sauna outside (but without the rejuvenating facial benefits!!!)

I came outside this morning at 6 AM to beat today's heat wave and get a couple more coats on the chairs so that I could stain them later.

This is what I found...my loverly table that was stained LAST evening...still wet and sticky, uneven and gross....

Moral of the story......go slow (like don't try and stain the entire table top at once), go thin (less is more, you can always do a second coat later) and when it's humid don't wait for 15 min for the stain to sink in....unless you like sanding table tops..A.G.A.I.N!

Ok, I'm off to go cry....or drink....or throw the table off the porch.....

You Know It's Summer...

2011-06-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

...when you spend all day outside and all evening sitting on the side of the porch eating watermelon!

Juicy, sweetness...dirt trails to elbows...even had some neighbor setting off contraband fireworks...now That's Summer!

Corey is Not a big watermelon fan...he looks like he's about to spew chuncks if I make him take another bite for these pictures!

"Corey, come on buddy...give me one last good picture and your done." Ha! I'll pretend, but don't make me eat it! One quick snap of the camera and he ditched the melon and hopped on his bike!

This is going to be a good summer indeed!

Memorial Day Progress

2011-05-31T16:34:00.000-05:00

So this weekend I spent almost every non raining moment on this beast:

Scraped, sanded, primed...twice....and then.....

Mwaaa...what am I about to do?!? It was really hard to put on that first swipe!

And then I just went for it! There were quite a few strange looks as people drove by...

I still need to paint the inside...thinking probably white...maybe...

Jim is cutting some wood for me to put in where the glass should be. I found some paintable wallpaper that looks like tin tiles on clearance at Home Depot for $6...soooo, I think that I'll paint that a metalic copper and then do some sort of aged patina.....

Next up is glazing, but I am really not sure what to do...go for a dark glaze....light....paint on a bit of coppery glazish stuff (or would that be too much copper with the whole wallpaper thing?)

I need some advice! I don't want to mess up this poor angel's face!!!!!

The mirror that I got from the flea market the other weekend also went under the brush. Still working it out...the paint that I got from Martha didn't look anything like the little tester bottle said it would..kind of bummed, but i'll make it work! Sand and rough it up, slap on some glaze and we'll call it done!

Safe and Sound..

2011-05-30T06:09:00.000-05:00

....and ruined for the ordinary!

Jim got back yesterday morning while we were at church. Although he really wanted to stay for the special service the church in Hackleburg was having, the thought of getting home at 2 am and being to work by 7:30 won out...so he left the night before with an old friend and they drove through the night.

I have to say....it was the best day Ever! His homecoming was way better than his send off (thank the Lord!) The boys had no idea that Dad was coming home early---there was lots of screaming DAD!, lots of long hugs, and a bit of wrestling ;)

I'll post more about the trip when I get a chance.....once we see the After photos! The team definitely worked their tails off last week and they made such a huge difference!

Thank You for the prayers!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day---remembering the sacrifice of so many so that we can have these freedoms that we so enjoy!

Makings of a Trashy Dresser...

2011-05-27T12:26:00.000-05:00

What plans do you all have for the weekend? A parade? Cookout? Nothing but laying out in the sun?

Well...I couldn't get the lawnmower started (seriously, sorry Jim...hahaha)....soooo..I decided now was the perfect time to get started on some of my painting projects around the house!

This was one of my grandma's hutches, which then became my dad's until he dropped it and broke the glass and some other little things...he was tossing it to the curb, so I ran over and grabbed it (actually..I gave Crystal first dibs, but she said she'd wait and see if she wanted it after I finished fixing it up......uh, yeah..no...nice try little seeester!) Look at that poor pitiful old dog in the door...his boys are outside without him...

Aren't the corners beautiful?!? Seriously..my Dad was Going To Throw Her OUT!

Today will be spent sanding and smoothing everything out....then she'll get a couple coats of BIN primer.

I'm kind of torn on how to finish her off.....white with a dark glaze? A color..like a beachy blue or red? I'm going to use it as an armour in our bedroom, but I'm not really sure how I want to close up the doors...fabric? Wood? Mirror? Frosted glass?

Ahhh...too many choices?!?

Any Ideas?

Investments

2011-05-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about what we invest ourselves in....our time, our devotion, our love...our money....

So far in my journey through the Bible, I've read up to 1 Samuel. Joshua and Judges were hard chapters for me to bring to a conclusion. Such sad chapters, but also so true today. They lost focus. Sure in Joshua, they were doing "the Lords work"....casting out the nations, building up their own...but they still lacked something. Easily swayed by other gods, they forgot to build up the next generation everything that Moses had told them not to forget! Then they'd come under hardships...cry out to God (after many many years), He'd save them...then within a matter of years, they'd be right back to doing what got them into the mess in the first place!!!!!

This all got me thinking, we are raising the next generation---the faith that I am instilling in my children today, will probably have some effect on their children and so on and so forth. That's kind of scary when you think about it!!!

Are these boys my at the top of my investment list? What habits am I instilling--idols or a faith in God that moves mountains? Will they look first to God when the going is good, not just when they're in trouble? What is my faith modeling?

Then when I felt like all hope is lost the book of Ruth comes in and glimmers hope! Here is Naomi, a woman who lived her life in such a way that Ruth, even though she was no longer bound to stay with her mother in law, begged to go wherever she went. And through their hardships, they lived this life of honor that God in turn blessed...and through them, blessed us all! Ruth, a foreigner, and Boaz, a descendant of Rahab (the prostitute that helped the spies), gave us the family line of David...which led to Jesus! Imagine that!

As I'm starting 1 Samuel, this is really a pressing issue...when looking at Eli and Samuel, they started off so good, then in the end...their children disobeyed God to such horrid extents that they too fell away from God.

Seems like everything boils down to how we raise our kids, doesn't it? Not something that I want to take lightly and definitely something that needs a lot more attention on my part!!!!!

Flying Higher

2011-05-25T21:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we broke out the kites.....

...and then we BROKE the kites!

Super Bummer!

Not much happening today other than hiding out from the rain and these 50 degree temps....yes....50's!!!!!! Gag! Oh well, tomorrow I get to have supper with two awesome ladies and this momma is Stoked!!!

The Lovely Lori posted some pics of the area where Jim's working.....Crossroads Community Church Construction Outreach Team....I can't wait to see what all they accomplish this week!

LOVE YOU JIM!!!! MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY---BUT WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU STEPPING UP LIKE THIS!!!!! Did I mention that I LOVE YOU?!?!? YEPPERS <3 U!!!!

Just Messin Around

2011-05-25T07:28:00.001-05:00

I feel like the boys---got a new toy, now I've got to see what it can do!

These are just a couple of pics using an effect that I liked from picnik. Doesn't work with every "amazing" picture that I take, but these were kind of interesting ;)

This was the morning of Jamie's birthday..they were all so serious...you know, fighting off the Kraken in Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is tough stuff man!

I love my window on top of the tv. I'm trying to be good about changing it up every so often. I made this wreath from How Does She....word of warning, it takes a bazillion balloons...which aren't as cheap as I thought they'd be...but...it is cute! I think we'll start this as a new tradition...a birthday wall! (this will come down as soon as I figure out what to hang up there next!

I don't know what it is about this one, but I LOVE it!!! It's just so very Corey. Makes me want to go find him and smoosh some kisses on that little face!